Violence in Life… What To Do and How to Solve It

There is need for human beings to live harmoniously. We all need to live in an ecosystem where we love and care for each other; despite the numerous disparities that we harbor. We need to treat each as a fellow human and try as much as we can to mitigate the social differences; which often try to put as asunder. Most importantly is that we should never be ignorant. We need to be open-minded and reflect on our actions; as we try to embrace diversity.

However, I’m a Kenyan by birth. I was in college in 2007/2008 when violence broke in some volatile town in the country; following a disputed general election. I was in college in one of the town that violence rocked. Also, school had to be called off for several months before normalcy was resolved.

The fights and violence were so intense that it cost the lives of thousands of people; while hundreds thousands of others were displaced. Eight years down the line; some the displaced people have yet to be resettled or compensated for the atrocities committed. The violence was purely ethnic. It was a war between one tribe against another. People who had been living harmoniously for many years; and had build good relationships. As well as bonds; which turned against each other looting & destroying property. They were worth millions. While others were killed; or escaped with multiple injuries.

The Unfortunate Effects of Ethnic Violence

However, I lost a friend; who was so dear to me during this horrific violence. I considered him as a close brother. From his family of six, it was only two of younger sisters. Both of them escaped from the attackers. Nevertheless, the girls didn’t escape being raped. It was one of the saddest moments of my life. Later, I came to learn about what happened to them. May God rest their souls in eternal peace.

It is this violence; which led to some of the local leaders at that time; be tried at the International Criminal Court(ICC). This was because of what was presumed as their involvement in inciting people against each other. Although most the cases against the culprit being tried were later dropped; because of lack of evidence. It was clear that all machinery had been used to clean out the evidence. However, there were many cases of witness bribery and interference.

I still believe that the violence was never as spontaneous

As those indicted try to maintain. There seemed to be a clear line of command; as well as execution. In which made the violence to go on for several days. As much as I may blame the leaders; I also blame my fellow countrymen for being ignorant. It was is our duty to live harmoniously and appreciate each other.

Despite the difference that we may have; tribal, social etc. We should never allow ourselves to be taken advantage of; by power-driven greedy politicians. They always try to use the youth. Especially those unemployed; to rally against other people. The reason was because they don’t belong to the same tribe.

We need to embrace diversity if at all we have to live harmoniously

Anyway, we need to open our eyes and realize; it takes each of us from the various tribes to make our beautiful country; as well as grow it economically. Most of the leaders; who have led my country; have been the same old leaders; who always try to use new tricks to hoodwink the citizens. They usually try to rebrand themselves; whenever polls near. By changing their fabric; so that they can appear as visionary leaders. While they are still wolves in a sheep’s skin.

Therefore, it is upon us to resist being used by such leaders. Instead, concentrate our efforts. As well as energies in making our country prosper. The same case replicate to many countries. Especially in Africa. We have good examples of countries; like Rwanda and Burundi. Some years back; they were rocked with some of the worst genocides ever. They were badly triggered by power-hungry leaders.

Another example could be the former state of Yugoslavia. In these examples; we have seen the impact of war in ruining the economy. But the most important thing; which we need to focus on; is the loss of life. As well as the trauma; which follows later. Life is precious. It should be preserved at all costs.